Church News - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Tabernacle Choir through the years

Published: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2003

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Like a ribbon winding through the years, the Museum of Church History and Art's exhibit "Music and the Spoken Word — Celebrating 75 Years of Mormon Tabernacle Choir Radio Broadcasts" binds together musical memories from the past.

Combining photos of contemporary choir and that of 1929, opening display includes a radio from that year belonging to grandparents of Lloyd Newell, the announcer for the current "Music and the Spoken Word."

Over the years, the choir has risen to the legend of "America's Choir," performing at presidential inaugurations and the most important of functions, such as the 2002 Winter Games. Attending these functions are the leaders of nations and devoted listeners who, alike, have enjoyed the choir for much of their lives.

The exhibit captures the singular momentum of the past and hints that the ever-moving ribbon of time will sometime in the distant future find another choir exhibit documenting yet grander distinction, and yet myriad more listeners.

Above, skirt and blouse were worn during the first televised broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word in 1953. The blue appeared white on the television screen.

Photo courtesy Museum of Church History and Art
Above, dresses from differing periods of time, including one from the inauguration of President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, the 1970s and some worn at present. In front and behind are some of the many records made by the choir.

Photo by John L. Hart
Robert Cundick, former Tabernacle Choir organist, and John Longhurst, now a Tabernacle Choir organist, view console used from 1938-1947.

Grammy award was given to choir in 1959 for "Battle Hymn of the Republic."